Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONNECTING ARRANGEMENT AND HELMET COMPRISING SUCH A
CONNECTING ARRANGEMENT
Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a connecting arrangement
connecting a first and a second slidably arranged part and absorbing a force,
and
a helmet comprising such a connecting arrangement. The invention also relates
to
a helmet comprising a first and a second helmet part and a connecting
arrangement connecting the two parts.
Background art
[0002] It is a problem to create a structure absorbing energy at oblique
impacts
generating tangential force components, for example an impact between a person
and a moving object or surface. The structure may for example be a helmet, a
protective clothing or other force absorbing structures.
[0003] In prior art there are presented a number of solutions comprising at
least
a first and a second layer or part which are slidably moveable in relation to
each
other in order to absorb an impact force. In order to function properly the
layers
are connected by one or several connecting arrangements.
[0004] In one embodiment the structure is a helmet. Most helmets comprises a
hard outer shell, often made of a plastic or a composite material, and an
energy
absorbing layer, called a liner, of energy absorbing material. Nowadays, a
protective helmet has to be designed so as to satisfy certain legal
requirements
which relate to inter alia the maximum acceleration that may occur in the
center of
gravity of the head at a specified load. Typically, tests are performed, in
which
what is known as a dummy skull equipped with a helmet is subjected to a radial
blow towards the head. This has resulted in modern helmets having good energy-
absorption capacity in the case of blows radially against the skull while the
energy
absorption for other load directions is not as optimal.
[0005] In the case of a radial impact the head will be accelerated in a
translational motion resulting in a translational acceleration. The
translational
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acceleration can result in fractures of the skull and/or pressure or abrasion
injuries
of the brain tissue. However, according to injury statistics, pure radial
impacts are
rare.
[0006] On the other hand, a pure tangential hit that result in a pure angular
acceleration to the head are rare, too.
[0007] The most common type of impact is oblique impact that is a combination
of a radial and a tangential force acting at the same time to the head. The
oblique
impact results in both translational acceleration and angular acceleration of
the
brain. Angular acceleration causes the brain to rotate within the skull,
creating
injuries on bodily elements connecting the brain to the skull and also to the
brain
itself.
[0008] Examples of rotational injuries are on the one hand subdural
haematomas, SH, bleeding as a consequence of blood vessels rupturing, and on
the other hand diffuse axonal injuries, DAI, which can be summarized as nerve
fibers being over stretched as a consequence of high shear deformations in the
brain tissue. Depending on the characteristics of the rotational force, such
as the
duration, amplitude and rate of increase, either SH or DAI occur, or a
combination
of these is suffered. Generally speaking, SH occur in the case of short
duration
and great amplitude, while DAI occur in the case of longer and more widespread
acceleration loads. It is important that these phenomena are taken into
account so
as to make it possible to provide good protection for the skull and brain.
[0009] The head has natural protective systems adapted to dampen these
forces using the scalp, the hard skull and the cerebrospinal fluid between the
skull
and the brain. During an impact, the scalp and the cerebrospinal fluid acts as
rotational shock absorber by both compressing and sliding over and under the
skull, respectively. Most helmets used today provide no protection against
rotational injury.
[0010] In the applicant's prior applications W02011139224A1 and
EP1246548B1 it is described a helmet comprising a first and a second helmet
part
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slidably arranged in relation to each other to protect against rotational
injury. The
first helmet part is arranged closer to a wearers head and the second part is
arranged radially outside the first helmet part.
[0011] Further it is in W02011139224A1 and EP1246548B1 described several
ways of connecting the first helmet part with the second helmet part. The
connecting arrangements are arranged to absorb energy by deforming in an
elastic, semi-elastic or plastic way when large enough strain are applied to
the
outer helmet part.
[0012] When using these connection arrangements it is difficult to control the
motion between the first and second part and thus also the force absorption
curve.
Summary
[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the
problem
of controlling the force absorbing motion between a first and a second part
slidably
arranged in relation to each other, especially within the field of force
absorbing
structures such as for example helmets. The solution is provided by the below
described connection arrangement and a helmet comprising such a connection
arrangement.
[0014] The invention relates to a connection arrangement adapted to connect a
first and a second part slidably arranged in relation to each other. The
invention is
characterized in that said connection arrangement is adapted to allow the
sliding
movement between the first and the second part in all directions. Thus, the
first
and second layer or part is possible to move in relation to each other at
least in a
direction essentially parallel to the extension directions of the first and
second
parts. However, they do not have to have a common sliding surface and may be
arranged at a distance from each other. The connection arrangement comprises a
connection member directly or indirectly connected to at least one of the
first part
and the second part and at least one device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force during sliding movement between the first and second part
adapted
to be connected with or to cooperate with said connection member. Thus the
first
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and second part are not detachable by a minor force to the second part, but
are
connected.
[0015] A connection arrangement comprising a connecting member acting on
one or more separate devices creating a spring force and/or a damping force is
able to better absorb the forces acting on the first or the second part. This
construction is especially improving the absorption of the tangential force
component originating from oblique force acting on the first or second part
which
creates a sliding movement of the first and second part relative to each
other.
Thus, at least a part of the energy originating from an oblique impact may be
absorbed in the connecting members. Further, it is easier to control the
sliding
movement by adapting the construction of the separate parts of the least one
device creating a spring force and/or a damping force to the forces estimated
to
act on the first and second part. The device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force may for example be designed to have a linear or progressive
spring
or damping characteristics with differing spring and damping constants. Said
at
least one device creating a spring force and/or a damping force may be
attached
to or embedded in either one of the first or the second part. It is also an
aim to
minimize the intrusion of the energy absorbing layer, liner, so that radial
forces will
be absorbed sufficiently also at the positions of the connection arrangements.
[0016] A sliding facilitator may be arranged between the first and the second
parts
to facilitate the sliding movement between the first and second parts in
response
to a force created by an oblique impact on the first or second part.
[0017] This
sliding facilitator facilitates the sliding movement between the first
and second part in response to the impact force. However, it is also
conceivable to
leave out the sliding facilitator. The sliding facilitator may be a material
creating
low friction between the first and the second part. The sliding facilitator
may be a
separate piece such as a layer or a material embedded in or attached to one or
both of the surfaces of the first and/or the second part which are adapted to
slide
against each other.
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[0018] The connection member is an elongated member connected to the device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force. The connection member may for
example be an inelastic part having a predetermined length.
[0019] The elongated member has an inelastic predetermined length and creates
the connection between the first and the second part. At least part of the
energy
originating from an oblique impact on the second part and not absorbed by the
sliding itself or any other energy absorbing layers is then absorbed in the
device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force. Thus, the inelastic connection
member does not absorb any energy; it is merely acting as a force transmitter.
The
energy absorbed in the device creating a spring force and/or a damping force
can
be absorbed by friction heat, energy absorbing layer deformation or
deformation or
displacement of internal parts of the device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force.
[0020] In a first embodiment of a connection arrangement said connection
member is a bendable elongated member connected in one end to the device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force and in the other end to either
one of
the first or second part. The first embodiment of the connection arrangement
transfers the motion between the first and second part, a motion possible in
any
direction, to a motion along one axis, irrespective of the direction of the
movement
between the first and second parts. This is possible due to the bendability of
the
connection member. This makes it possible to absorb energy in a controlled
way.
[0021] The connection member may be a cord, rope, line, wire or similar
elongated
bendable member. Preferably, the elongated bendable member is inelastic and of
a predetermined length.
[0022] In another embodiment of a device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force, preferably connected to a connection arrangement according to
the second embodiment, said device creating a spring force and/or a damping
force is a moveable or elastic dividing wall arranged in a housing.
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[0023] The dividing wall is connected to either one or both of the first and
the
second part via an at least one connection arrangement according to the second
embodiment. The dividing wall might be a piston moveably arranged in the
housing, an elastic membrane or similar objects able to move when subjected to
an external force via the connection member. The moveable wall creates a first
and a second chamber in the housing.
[0024] In another embodiment, of a device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force, preferably connected to a connection arrangement according to
the second embodiment, said housing is essentially closed off from the
surroundings and contains a compressible medium.
[0025] When a compressible medium, such as gas, is arranged in the housing the
movement of the piston creates a compression of the medium, thus an additional
force opposite the external force is created. This additional force is a force
damping the movement of the dividing wall in the housing, thus is also dampens
the relative movement between the first and second part.
[0026] In another embodiment of a device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force, preferably connected to a connection arrangement according to
the second embodiment, said housing is essentially closed off from the
surroundings and contains a non-compressible medium.
[0027] When a non-compressible medium, such as for example fluid, is used in
the housing the chambers on respective sides of the wall need to be connected
so
that the medium can flow between the chambers. Either an outside channel is
arranged between the chambers or in another embodiment the dividing wall
itself
is arranged to permit a leak of medium, for example by using holes or other
openings. The movement of medium between the chambers creates a damping
force. The damping force is dependent on the flow area of the connecting
passages.
[0028] In another embodiment of a device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force, preferably connected to a connection arrangement according to
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the second embodiment, at least one spring is arranged to act upon said
dividing
wall creating a spring force. Said spring may be a linear, non-linear or
progressive
spring of any kind.
[0029] The spring may be biased between the dividing wall and the end of the
housing or any other supporting structure. It is also possible to use two
springs
acting on the opposite sides of the dividing wall.
[0030] In another embodiment of a device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force, preferably connected to a connection arrangement according to
the first embodiment, but also possible in connection with the second
embodiment,
said housing comprises notches, slots or friction increasing members
controlling
the movement of the dividing wall.
[0031] The notches may be of a material increasing the friction between the
dividing wall and the housing. They may also be used to create an increase in
the
initial force necessary to start the movement of the dividing wall. It is also
possible
to arrange notches or slots on the inner wall of the housing in a patter
similar to a
spiral thread. This creates a rotational movement of the wall in the housing
which
is able to absorb energy.
[0032] In a second embodiment of a connection arrangement said at least one
connection member is an elongated rigid pin connected in its first or second
end to
the first or the second part and connected in or between its first and second
end to
the device creating a spring force and/or a damping force.
[0033] In one embodiment of a device creating a spring force and/or a damping
force, preferably connected to a connection arrangement according to the
second
embodiment, but also possible in connection with the first embodiment, the at
least
one device creating a spring force and/or a damping force is a torsion, leaf
or
spiral spring connected to or acting against the connection member and either
one
of the first or second part. It is also possible to arrange a protrusion or
the like to
create an increase in the initial force necessary to start the movement
between the
first and second part.
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[0034] The at least one device creating a spring force and/or a damping force
may
encircle the connection member or may be arranged to protrude in an
essentially
radial direction from the connection member.
[0035] In one embodiment said first part is a first helmet part arranged
closer to a
wearer's head and said second part is a second helmet part arranged radially
outside of the first helmet part.
[0036] Another aspect relates to a helmet comprising a first helmet part
arranged
closer to a wearer's head and a second helmet part arranged radially outside
of
the first helmet part. The helmet is characterized in that said at least one
connection arrangement is adapted to allow the sliding movement between the
first and the second helmet part in all directions and comprises a connection
member directly or indirectly connected to at least one of the first helmet
part and
the second helmet part and a device creating a spring force and/or a damping
force during sliding movement between the first and second helmet part adapted
to be connected with or to cooperate with said connection member.
[0037] In one embodiment of said helmet, said device creating a spring force
and/or a damping force is attached to either one of the first or the second
helmet
part.
[0038] In another embodiment of said helmet, the helmet further comprises a
sliding facilitator arranged between the first and the second helmet parts to
enable
a sliding movement between the first and second helmet part in response to a
rotational force created by an oblique impact on the helmet and at least one
connection arrangement connecting the first and the second helmet part.
[0039] Please note that any embodiment or part of embodiments as well as any
method or part of method could be combined in any way.
Brief description of drawings
[0040] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to
the
accompanying drawings, in which:
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[0041] Fig. 1 shows an energy absorbing structure comprising a first and a
second part connected by a connection arrangement.
[0042] Fig 2a and 2b shows an energy absorbing structure in the form of a
helmet of a first type under the influence of an oblique external force.
[0043] Fig. 3a shows a first embodiment of a connection arrangement
comprising a first embodiment of a device for creating a spring and/or damping
force mounted in a helmet in of a second type.
[0044] Fig. 3b shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising the first embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0045] Fig. 3c shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a second embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0046] Fig. 3d shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a third embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0047] Fig. 3e shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a fourth embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0048] Fig. 3f shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a fifth embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0049] Fig. 3g shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a sixth embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
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[0050] Fig. 3h shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a seventh embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0051] Fig. 3i shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a eight embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0052] Fig. 3j shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a ninth embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0053] Fig. 3k shows a detail view of the first embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a tenth embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0054] Fig 4 shows the first embodiment of a connection arrangement
comprising a first embodiment of a device for creating a spring and/or damping
force mounted in a helmet of a third type. This figure also shows a different
type of
sliding facilitator possible to use in all helmet types.
[0055] Fig. 5a shows a second embodiment of a connection arrangement
comprising an eleventh embodiment of a device for creating a spring and/or
damping force mounted in a helmet of a first type.
[0056] Fig. 5b shows detail view of the second embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising the eleventh embodiment of the device for creating a
spring and/or damping force.
[0057] Fig. Sc shows detail view of the second embodiment of a connection
arrangement comprising a twelfth embodiment of a device for creating a spring
and/or damping force.
[0058] Fig. 6a shows a detail side view of an energy absorbing structure
comprising the second embodiment of the connection arrangement comprising a
thirteenth embodiment of a device for creating a spring and/or damping force.
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[0059] Fig. 6b shows a top view of the thirteenth embodiment of a device for
creating a spring and/or damping according to figure 6a.
Description of embodiments
[0060] In the following, a detailed description of the different embodiments
is
presented. It will be appreciated that the figures are for illustration only
and are not
in any way restricting the scope.
[0061] A first and second, in relation to each other slidably arranged, parts
are
components of an energy absorbing structure, such as for example a helmet,
protective clothing or a vehicle interior. At least one connection arrangement
is
adapted to connect the first and second parts. The connection arrangement
comprises at least one connection member and at least one device creating a
spring force and/or a damping force.
[0062] The at least one connection member is directly or indirectly connected
to
the first or the second part and is adapted to allow a sliding movement
between
the first and the second part in all directions. Movements in all directions
meaning
a sliding movement in all directions from the connection point or points. The
connection member is also connected to or cooperates with the at least one
device creating a spring force and/or a damping force. The at least one device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force is attached either to the first
part or
to the second part. It is also possible to arrange a device creating a spring
force
and/or a damping force in both parts with the connecting member as a
connecting
part.
[0063] In the embodiment according to figure 1 an energy absorbing
structure is
shown. The structure comprises a first and a second part 2, 3 which are
slidably
moveable in relation to each other in order to absorb an oblique impact force
F.
The parts 2, 3 are connected by at least one connecting arrangement 6
comprising
at least one connection member 7 and at least one device creating a spring
force
and/or a damping force 8. Between the first 2 and the second part 3 the
sliding
occurs.
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[0064] The sliding movement may be facilitated by a sliding facilitator 4.
This
sliding facilitator 4 facilitates a sliding movement between the first and
second part
in response to the force F. However, it is also conceivable to leave out the
sliding
facilitator 4.
[0065] The sliding facilitator may be a material creating low friction between
the
first and the second part 2, 3. The sliding facilitator 4 may be a separate
piece
such as a layer or a material embedded in or attached to both or either one of
the
surfaces of the first or the second part 2, 3 which are adapted to slide
against each
other. Depending on the type of sliding facilitator used it may be arranged
between
the first and second part 2, 3, on the surface of second part 3 facing the
first part
2, on the surface of the first part 2 facing the second part 3 or on both the
towards
each other facing surfaces. The sliding facilitator 4 could be a material
having a
low coefficient of friction or be coated with a low friction material:
Examples of
conceivable materials are PTFE, ABS, PVC, PC, HDPE, nylon, fabric materials.
It
is furthermore conceivable that the sliding is facilitated by the structure of
the
material, for example by the material having a fiber structure such that the
fibers
slide against each other or different type of micro structures facilitating
the sliding
or structures possible to shear, see for example the sliding facilitator 4
visualized
in figure 4. The low friction material could be a waxy polymer, such as PTFE,
PFA, FEP, PE, UHMWPE, oil, grease Teflon or a powder material which could be
infused with a lubricant. It is also conceivable that the first helmet part 2
made up
of a semi-rigid polymer material having a surface with sufficiently low
friction
coefficient in order to function as a sliding facilitator 4. Examples of
materials to be
used for this purpose are ABS, PC, HDPE.
[0066] The energy absorbing structure as shown in figure 1, may be protection
devices and/or protection clothing or be used between a first and an second
layer
covering a part, parts or an entire interior of a craft moving on land, in
water or in
the air.
[0067] In the embodiments shown in figures 2a, 2b, 3a, 4, and 5a the energy
absorbing structure is a helmet 1.
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[0068] The helmet 1 comprises a first helmet part 2 to be arranged closest to
a
wearer's head and a second helmet part 3 arranged radially outside of the
first
helmet part 2. Between the first 2 and the second helmet parts 3 the sliding
occurs
in response to a tangential force created by an oblique impact F on the
helmet. In
the helmet application, said tangential force will then result in a relative
motion
between part 2 and 3. The length of the relative movement between the first 2
and
the second helmet part 3 is a distance in the interval 0-100mm, usually within
the
interval 0-50 mm and most often within the interval 1-20 mm. The connection
arrangement 6 comprising at least one connection member 7 and at least one
device for creating a spring force 8 and/or a damping force for the absorption
of
impact energy and forces. The resulting spring and damping force acting
between
part 2 and 3 will be in the interval 1-1000N, usually in the interval 1-500 N
and
most often in the interval 1-50N. The velocity of the relative movement may
vary
from 1-100m/s. The connection member 7 may be an elongated member
connected to the at least one device creating a spring force and/or a damping
force 8, thus to a device being able to absorb impact energy and forces. The
impact energy in need to be absorbed depends on the force of the impact and
the
possible relative movement between the first and the second helmet parts 2, 3.
The energy is absorbed by displacement of the at least one connection member 7
and the deformation or movement of the device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force 8. The connection member 7 may be an inelastic member having a
predetermined length. The definition inelastic member should be understood as
a
member where kinetic energy is not conserved by deformation. The sliding
movement may be facilitated by a sliding facilitator 4 as described above, see
fig
3a. This sliding facilitator 4 facilitates a sliding movement between the
first and
second helmet part. However, it is also conceivable to leave out the sliding
facilitator 4, as shown in fig 2a and 2b.
[0069] The first or the second helmet part 2, 3 or both may comprise an energy
absorbing layer 5 absorbing mainly radial forces, see for example fig 3a and
4.
However, some energy absorbing materials may also absorb some tangential
forces. During an impact; the energy absorbing layer acts as an impact
absorber
by deforming the energy absorbing layer 5.
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[0070]It is preferred to minimize the reduction of the layer of the energy
absorbing
material 5 at the positions of the connection arrangements 6 in order to be
able to
absorb radial forces also at these positions. At least 50% of the energy
absorbing
layer should remain at these positions and preferably 75% should remain.
[0071] The first helmet part 2 may also comprise attachment means 9 for
fitting the
helmet on the wearer's head, see fig 3a. It is also conceivable to arrange
attachment means at the second helmet part 3 instead. It is also possible to
arrange comfort padding in the first helmet part 2, which is adapted to be in
contact with the wearers head. Additionally an outer rigid shell 10 could be
arranged radially outside the second helmet part 3, for example in a helmet
type
as shown in Fig 2a. It is also conceivable to leave out the outer shell.
[0072] In figures 2a and 2b the sliding and relative movement of the first and
second parts 2, 3 during an oblique impact force F is shown. During an impact,
the
energy absorbing layer acts as an impact absorber by deforming the energy
absorbing layer 5 and if an outer shell 10 is used, see for example fig 3a, it
will
spread out the impact energy over the shell. During an oblique impact the
sliding
occur between the first and the second helmet part 2, 3 allowing for a
controlled
way to absorb the rotational energy otherwise transmitted to the brain. The
rotational energy is mainly absorbed by displacement of the at least one
connection member 7 and the deformation or movement of the at least one device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8. The absorbed rotational
energy
will reduce the amount of angular acceleration affecting the brain, thus
reducing
the rotation of the brain within the skull. The risk of rotational injuries
such as
concussion, subdural hematomas and DAI is thereby reduced.
[0073] A first type of helmet is disclosed in figure 2a, 2b and 5a. According
to this
embodiment, the second helmet part 3 is adapted to absorb the radial forces,
thus
may comprise an energy absorbing layer 5. The energy absorbing layer may be
entirely made of or partly comprise a polymer foam material such as EPS
(expanded poly styrene), EPP (expanded polypropylene), EPU (expanded
polyurethane), PU (polyurethane) or other structures and materials like
honeycomb, rubber or corrugated cardboard or other corrugated material for
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example. Honeycomb, rubber and corrugated materials are examples of materials
having the possibility to absorb both radial and tangential forces. The radial
forces
may be absorbed by compression of the material and the tangential forces may
be
absorbed by shearing of the internal structure of the material. The sliding
between
the parts occur mainly inside of the energy absorbing layer 5, thus between
the
first helmet part 2 and the energy absorbing layer 5 of the second helmet part
3. A
sliding facilitator 4 according to the above described may also be provided at
that
location to facilitate the sliding. However, it is also conceivable to leave
out the
sliding facilitator 4.
[0074] The first helmet part 2 may be made of an elastic or semi-elastic
material
such as for example PVC, PC, Nylon, PET. The first helmet part 2 may act as an
integral sliding facilitator. The first helmet part 2 may also comprise
attachment
means 9 for fitting the helmet on the wearer's head for example a chin band or
a
head encircling device such as a head band or a cap. The attachment means 9
may additionally have tightening means (not shown) for adjustment of the size
and
grade of attachment to the top portion of the head. The attachment means could
be made of an elastic or semi-elastic polymer material, such as PC, ABS, PVC
or
PTFE, or a natural fiber material such as cotton cloth. Additionally an outer
rigid
shell 10 could be arranged radially outside the second helmet part 3. The
shell
may be made of a polymer material such as polycarbonate, ABS, PVC, glass
fiber,
Aramid, Twaron, carbon fiber or Kevlar. It is also conceivable to leave out
the
outer shell. The at least one device creating a spring force and/or a damping
force
8 of the at least one connection arrangement 6 (in this embodiment two
connections arrangements 6 are shown but more than two is preferably used)
attached in a first location close to or embedded in the inside of the second
part 2,
between the first and the second part 2, 3. This type of helmet can for
example be
a bicycle, hockey or equestrian helmet, preferably an inmould helmet.
[0075] A second type of helmet is disclosed in figure 3a. Here the first
helmet part
2 is adapted to absorb the radial forces, thus may comprise the energy
absorbing
layer 5 which may be made of the same materials as described above. The
second helmet part 3 is arranged radially outside of the first helmet part 2
and may
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be made of an elastic or semi-elastic material such as for example PVC, PC,
Nylon, PET. The second helmet part 3 may in this embodiment also act as the
rigid shell 10 and may then be made out of for example a polymer material such
as ABS, glass fiber, Aramid, Twaron, carbon fiber or Kevlar. The sliding
between
the parts 2, 3 occur outside of the energy absorbing layer 5, thus between the
second helmet part 3 and the energy absorbing layer 5. A sliding facilitator 4
may
also be provided at that location to facilitate the sliding. The at least one
device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8 of the connection arrangement
6
is attached in a second location close to or embedded in the outside of the
first
part 2, between the first and the second part 2, 3. The at least one device
creating
a spring force and/or a damping force 8 may for example be attached to or
embedded in the energy absorbing layer 5. This type of helmet can for example
be
a motorcycle helmet.
[0076] A third type of helmet with a similar construction as the second helmet
type is disclosed in figure 3a is shown in figure 4. As in the second helmet
type,
the first helmet part 2 comprises the energy absorbing layer 5 and the sliding
occur outside the energy absorbing layer 5, thus between the second part 3 and
the energy absorbing layer 5. The sliding facilitator 4 is in this embodiment
a
structure attached to both the first and the second part 2, 3 which has a
structure
possible to shear when oblique forces act no the first part 3. This type of
sliding
facilitator is of course possible to use on all types of helmets. It is also
possible to
use a sliding facilitator of any kind mentioned above. However, the at least
one
device creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8 of the at least one
connection arrangement 6 (in this embodiment two connections arrangements 6
are shown but more than two is preferably used) is attached in a third
location on
the outside of the second part 3 and the connection member 7 runs through
openings in the second part 3. The at least one device creating a spring force
and/or a damping force 8 may be arranged in a separate housing 12 on the
outside of the second helmet part 3. This type of helmet can for example be a
football helmet.
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[0077] Now once again turning back to figure 3a-3j, where a first embodiment
of
the connection member 7 is shown. Here the connection member 7 is an
elongated bendable non-elastic member connected in its first end 7a to the
device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8 and in the other end 7b to
the
second helmet part 3. The connection member 7 may be a cord, rope, line, wire
or
similar elongated bendable member. The device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force 8 is connected, attached, fixated or molded into the energy
absorbing layer of the first helmet part 2. It is of course also possible to
connect
the connection member 7 to the first helmet part 2 and the device creating a
spring
force and/or a damping force 8 to the second helmet part 3. The second end 7b
may be attached to the helmet part comprising the energy absorbing layer and
thus use anchoring means which could be in-moulded, pressed through a hole and
expanding on the other side or the like. If the second end 7b is to be
attached at a
shell type of helmet part it could be attached by a loop of the elongated
bendable
member, threaded through a hole and having a wire lock on the other side or
the
like.
[0078] The device creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8 is in
figures
3a, 3b, 3d-3i, a moveable dividing wall 8a arranged in a housing 8b. The at
least
one connection member 7 is in one end 7a connected to the dividing wall 8a and
in one end 7b connected to or adapted to be connected to either one of the
first or
the second helmet part 2, 3. The device creating a spring force and/or a
damping
force 8 is adapted to be connected, attached, fixated or molded into the other
helmet part 3, 2. The housing 8b may be essentially closed off from the
surroundings and contain a compressible or non-compressible medium M with a
pressure P. When a non-compressible medium is used, the dividing wall 8a is
arranged to permit a leak of medium over the dividing wall in order to create
the
damping force, for example by arranging holes in the wall 8a or having a gap
between the edges of the wall 8a and the housing 8b. In order for the dividing
wall
to return to its original position at least one spring 8c may be arranged to
act upon
said dividing wall 8a to create a spring force. Said spring 8c may be a
linear, non-
linear or progressive spring of any kind.
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[0079] In figure 3a at least two, but preferably three or four, connection
arrangements 6 are used to control the relative movement between the first 2
and
the second 3 helmet part. The connection arrangements 6 may for example be
placed adjacent each other near the top part of the helmet or placed on at a
distance from each other. If a single acting connection member, where the
force is
absorb in only one direction, is used, as disclosed in figures 3b-f, 3h, 3i,
two
oppositely directed connection members are preferably placed in line with each
other. Each connecting arrangement 6 comprises a connection member 7 in the
form of an elongated bendable non-elastic member and a device creating a
spring
and/or damping force 8 in the form of a housing 8b comprising a moveable
dividing wall 8a. The connection member 7 is connected to the second helmet
part
3 and the device creating a spring and/or damping force 8 is molded into the
energy absorbing layer 5 of the first part 2. When an oblique impact force act
on
the second helmet part 3 and moves it in relation to the first helmet part 2,
the
bendable member 7 will follow the movement of the second part 3, even if it is
not
in the same direction as the axis of the housing 8b, and move the wall 8a
within
the housing 8b. Thus, the wall 8a press on the non-compressible or
compressible
medium and/or on the spring 8c creating a spring and/or a damping force which
is
essentially opposite to the oblique impact force. This movement is visualized
in
figures 2a and 2b, although in those figures the bendable member 7 is
connected
to the first part 2 and the device creating a spring force and/or a damping
force 8 is
connected to the second part 3.
[0080] The device creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8 of the
first
embodiment may have different designs as shown in figures 3b-3j.
[0081] In figure 3c the device creating a spring force and/or a damping force
8 is
an elastic dividing wall 8a', for example a membrane made of an elastic
material,
attached to the walls of a housing 8b. The at least one connection member 7 is
in
one end 7a connected to the dividing wall 8a' and in the other end 7b adapted
to
be connected to either one of the first or the second helmet part 2, 3. The
device
creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8 is adapted to be connected,
attached, fixated or molded into the other helmet part 3, 2. The housing 8b is
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essentially closed off from the surroundings and contains a compressible or
non-
compressible medium M such as gas or liquid. The pressures P1, P2 in the
medium M varies when the wall 8a' bulges. When a non-compressible medium is
used the dividing wall 8a' is arranged to permit a leak of medium over the
dividing
wall in order to create a damping force.
[0082] In figure 3d no separate spring is used. Instead the dividing wall
8a acts
upon a compressible material M such as a foam, sponge, liquid or gas.
[0083] In figure 3e a damping force is created by a narrowing diameter of the
housing 8b towards the end of the housing where the connecting member 7 runs
through the housing 8b. The housing is preferably filled with a damping medium
of
some kind. When the dividing wall 8a is moved from its neutral end position in
the
large diameter D1 part of the housing 8b, where no forces act on the wall, to
the
end of the housing with the smaller diameter D2, the passage for the damping
medium between the edges of the wall and the housing is decreased. Thus, an
increasing damping force is created. A spring may also be inserted in the
housing
to create a spring force.
[0084] In figure 3f a damping force is also created by a narrowing diameter
D1,
D2 of the housing 8b towards the end of the housing where the connecting
member 7 runs through the housing 8b. However, in this embodiment the
increased damping force is created by either using a dividing wall 8a made of
a
compressible material or to use an elastic housing possible to deform when the
dividing wall 8a is moved towards the narrowing part of the housing. A spring
may
also be inserted in the housing to create a spring force.
[0085] In figure 3g two connection members 7', 7" are in one end 7a', 7a"
connected to the dividing wall 8a running through each end of the housing 8b.
The
connection members 7', 7" are in their other ends 7b', 7h" adapted to be
connected to the first and the second part 2, 3, respectively. The dividing
wall 8a
has its neutral position, when no forces act on it, essentially in the middle
of the
housing 8b. Springs 8c', 8c" and/or a damping medium M', M" are arranged on
the
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opposite sides of the wall 8a, creating a spring and/or a damping force when
the
wall 8a moves in both directions.
[0086] In figure 3h and 3i the housing comprises notches, slots or friction
increasing members 8d controlling the movement of the dividing wall. In figure
3h
a notch 8d is used as an initial movement stop. The force pulling in the
connection
member 7 and thus moves the dividing wall 8a must be over a certain level
before
the wall can move over the notch 8d. In figure 3i several notches are arranged
in
the housing controlling the movement of the dividing wall. The notches 8d may
also be of a material increasing the friction between the dividing wall 8a and
the
housing 8b. It is also possible to arrange notches or slots 8d on the inner
wall of
the housing 8b in a patter similar to a thread. These spiral shaped notches or
slots
8d guide the dividing wall 8a in the housing such that it creates a rotational
movement of the wall 8a in the housing. It is also possible to arrange for
example
breaking pins that will break upon an predetermined initial force The initial
force is
preferably in the range 5-500 N.
[0087] In figure 3j the connection member 7 is wound around an elastic or
compressible elongated object acting as the device creating a spring and/or
damping force 8. This object is for example a rubber cylinder similar to a
miniaturized boat mooring snubber or any other types of rubber or foam
elongated
object.
[0088] Figure 3k discloses a dual acting connection arrangement similar to the
arrangement according to fig 3g. Two connection members 7', 7" are in one end
7a', 7a" connected a first end of an essentially flat torsion spring 8c', 8c"
and are
in their other ends 7b', 7h" adapted to be connected to the first and the
second
part 2, 3, respectively. The torsion springs 8', 8" are arranged in a
cylindrical or
essentially cup shaped housing 8b comprising a centrally arranged protruding
pin
8b', to which the second end of the flat torsion springs 8c', 8c" are attached
and
around which the springs circle. When a movement between the first and second
parts 2, 3 occurs, the respective torsion spring 8c', 8c" is pulled by the
respective
connection member 7, 7", thus, creating a spring and/or a damping force
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[0089] In figures 5a-5c and figures 6a and 6b a second embodiment of the
connection member 7 is shown. The connection member is an elongated rigid
member, having the shape of a pin, connected in a first end 7a to the first
helmet
part 2. The connection member could be made of a rigid plastic or a metal, for
example. In its second end 7b or between its first and second end 7a, 7b the
connection member is connected to the device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force 8. The device creating a spring force and/or a damping force 8
is
connected, attached, fixated, glued, pressed or molded into the second helmet
part. The connection member 7 and the device creating a spring force and/or a
damping force 8 may also be fixated to the first or second part for example by
means of mechanical fixation elements entering or running through the material
of
the energy absorbing layer. The mechanical fixation elements may be pieces of
Velcro, needles, christmas trees, screws, magnets or other elements. When
using
this embodiment of a device for creating a spring and/or damping force 8, only
one
connection arrangement 6 is necessary to connect the first and second part and
to
control the movement between the parts 2, 3.
[0090] It is of course also possible to connect the connection member 7 to the
second helmet part 3 and the device creating a spring force and/or a damping
force 8 to the first helmet part 2. When an oblique impact force act on the
second
helmet part 3 the pin 7 interacts with the device creating a spring force
and/or
damping force 8 and deforms the device 8, thus creating a force which is
essentially opposite to the oblique impact force
[0091] In figure 5b the device creating a spring force and/or a damping force
8 is a
flat spiral torsion spring 8 encircling the connection member 7. When a force
from
for example an oblique impact, act on the second part a sliding movement of it
in
relation to the first part is created. Since the pin 7 is attached to the
first part a
movement of the pin 7 in any direction essentially parallel to the pin 7 is
also
created. The pin 7 interacts with the torsion spring 8 and twists the spring,
thus
creating a spring force which is essentially opposite to the oblique impact
force. A
damping force may also be created, for example by inserting a compressible
medium or damping material surrounding the spring.
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[0092]In figure 5c at least two, but preferably at least three, devices
creating a
spring force and/or a damping force 8 are connected to the connection member 7
according to the first embodiment. Said devices creating a spring force and/or
a
damping force 8 are leaf or spiral springs connected in one end 8a to the
connection member 7 and in the other end 8b to either one of the first or
second
helmet part (not shown). When an oblique impact force act on the second helmet
part (not shown) the pin 7 interacts with the springs 8 and compresses or
prolongs
the respective springs, thus creating a spring force which is essentially
opposite to
the oblique impact force. A damping force may also be created, for example by
inserting a compressible medium or damping material in an enclosed housing
surrounding the separate or all springs.
[0093] Figures 6a and 6b shows a fourth embodiment of a device for creating a
spring and/or damping force 8 in figure 6a applied in an energy absorbing
structure with a connection member 7 of the second embodiment. The energy
absorbing structure may be a helmet of the first type where the device for
creating
a spring and/or damping force 8. It may also be a helmet of any other type.
When
using this embodiment of a device for creating a spring and/or damping force 8
only one connection arrangement 6 is necessary to connect the first and second
part and to control the movement between the parts 2, 3. The device creating a
spring and/or damping force is in this embodiment at least two crossing
bendable
objects 8', 8" acting as leaf springs. It is also possible to use three or
more
bendable objects joined at a center point. At their intersection or center
point, the
first end 7a of the pin 7 is attached. The other end 7b of the pin is attached
to the
first part 2. The free ends of the bendable objects 8', 8" are placed in a
hollow
space 10 arranged in the second part 3 or in a separate part attached to the
second part 3. The hollow space 10 has a smooth and curve shaped inner
surface. Thus, when the second part 3 starts to slide, the bendable objects 8,
8"
slide on the curve shaped inner surface of the hollow spade 10, bend and
adjust
their shape after the curve shaped surface. This bending movement absorbs
energy and counteracts the sliding movement between the first and second part
2,
3.
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[0094] In all embodiments shown having the second embodiment of the
connection member 7 it is possible to use notches, ridges, break pins or the
like to
increase initial or necessary force for the movement between the first and
second
parts 2, 3.
[0095] Please note that any embodiment or part of embodiment as well as any
method or part of method could be combined in any way. All examples herein
should be seen as part of the general description and therefore possible to
combine in any way in general terms.
_ _ _
